WARNING: This chapter ends with a sex scene. I figured since the story was already rated M, I might as well try something out? It's my first time writing something like it, so please be gentle.
Also, if you're reading this, and you know me IRL, please NEVER acknowledge this to me. Ever.
The scene progresses gradually and with consent at each point, so you can bow out whenever you get uncomfortable. It's the last thing in the chapter.
—
It was a Thursday night, a week after graduation. Marinette and Adrien were playing video games in their room. Now that school was over, there was no work to catch up on. Though the thought of college was on the horizon, neither of them had made any plans yet. It was hard to commit to long days of intense classes, when it was unknown if they'd be able to make it through without a breakdown.
Though as they were quickly learning, not having anything to do during the day meant more time for the mind to wander, and little guess as to where it wandered to.
"Marinette, Adrien, you have a visitor!" Called Sabine.
"Send them on up!" Called Marinette right back, as she paused the game.
To both of their surprise, Master Fu entered the room.
He had come to visit in the hospital, attended the wedding, and made just the barest of visits in between. He never stayed for long, and the conversation was light and shallow.
But today, he brought the Miracle Box along with him, as well as an air of great severity.
"Master? Are you alright?"
"Never better, Marinette. And how are you two? How does it feel to be graduated?"
"It doesn't really feel that different," offered Adrien. "We got to walk, but we've been at home since November. So it's not like our days have changed."
"Less work to do," added Marinette. "It can be boring. Our parents are still wary about letting us go out and do stuff."
Master Fu nodded sagely. "When a parent suffers the loss of a child, even temporarily, the result can be them holding on even tighter than before."
"That's part of why we left my father's house. It was...almost suffocating." Said Adrien.
"And now? What do you both have to look forward to in your future? College? Careers?"
Neither of them looked at the man, but Marinette stared at the Miracle box for far too long.
"I can see the gears turning in your mind, Marinette. What are you thinking about?"
"I was wondering when we were going to have this conversation."
"And what conversation would that be?"
"The one where you confiscate our Miraculous."
Adrien clenched his eyes shut, recoiling. He had been expecting this too, but that didn't mean he had to like it.
"Our identities were compromised, we were captured, we failed our mission...we don't deserve our Miraculous anymore." It was a mantra she had repeated in her head for a while now, trying to do the right thing. New Marinette was selfish, and didn't want to give Tikki up. So she had tried to convince herself that this was the correct thing to do.
It didn't really work.
Master Fu only smiled. "Well, actually, because of you, we were able to find out who Hawkmoth is, and he's stopped attacking Paris. It happened in the worst way possible, and definitely not how we planned it, But as far as I'm concerned, you both succeeded in your mission."
"But—"
"There's no one better suited for those Miraculous. And after all you've been through, I'd be cruel to take Tikki and Plagg away from you."
Marinette blinked, the tears that had been welling up in her eyes started to subside as hope appeared again. "You mean, we can continue being Ladybug and Chat Noir?"
"Of course!"
Before she could explode with joy, she had to ask. "But, why did you bring the Miracle Box then?"
"It's the reason why I came. I have been giving this a lot of thought. I'm old. I've lived my life protecting this box. I thought maybe, you both could use a little responsibility and purpose again...and maybe I could be a little selfish."
"You're...giving us the Miracle box?"
"Only if you're willing to accept it."
"But our identities—"
"Anyone would be a fool to try to mess with you now. And no one has to know you're guarding the Miraculous. Not even your parents."
"I think we might need some time to think about it."
"Of course," said Master Fu, with a smile. "This is a big decision, and you both need to be on the same page for it."
"What about you?" Asked Adrien.
Master Fu got a fond smile on his face. "My sweet Marianne has been waiting for me. If I can, I'd like to be with her. I need to train a new guardian, regardless of my plans. I'm not immortal. And you are my first candidates."
Marinette and Adrien just shared a look, thinking it through.
"Can we have some time to think about it?" She finally requested.
"Of course. This is a big responsibility after all. Take all the time you need."
"You really want us to do this? We're your first choice?"
Master Fu smiled at them both warmly. "While giving you your Miraculous May have caused you pain, it is a decision I don't regret. I regret what happened to you, and I do feel guilty for what happened, but you were both destined to wield the Ladybug and the Black Cat. Hawkmoth or no Hawkmoth. So yes, you were my first choice. And my only choice, to be quite honest. I'll have to do some heavy thinking if you say no. But please don't feel pressured because of that."
Marinette shared his soft smile. "Just a little bit of time to make out our pro-con list."
"Take as much time as you need."
—
It was only the next day that another visitor with another opportunity arrived.
This time it was Emilie, and she was alone. A rarity, since Gabriel had practically been glued to her side since she returned.
Marinette and Adrien came downstairs for lunch, only to see her sitting at the table having tea with Sabine.
"Mother?" Asked Adrien.
"Hello darling. Sorry for popping in uninvited."
"Is father here?"
"No, I snuck out while he was working." She sipped her tea. "I'm a grown woman, I can do as I please."
Marinette smirked.
"I came here to give you something." She dug around one her purse, and then handed the gift over to Adrien.
A set of keys.
"What's this?"
"I want you both to get away," she explained. "Gabriel has been worried sick, but I think a few days off alone together would do you both some good. Make you feel a little independent again."
"Where would we go?" Marinette asked, both excited and apprehensive.
"My family has an estate just south of Marseille, right on the coast. My Uncle is the groundskeeper, and my cousins are usually the only ones who use it. But I asked and everyone is fine with you spending the week there."
"A whole week?" Asked Sabine.
"Why not?" Emilie beamed. "My aunt and uncle know the whole story, and will drop off groceries when you need them. All you need to pack is your clothes and what not, they're providing sheets and towels and all other necessities."
Marinette was still unsure, and let her facial expression convey it instead of speaking.
"…there's a boat," Emilie continued. "Not a sailboat, but I always found sailboats much harder to steer anyways. This is a bit bigger than a speed boat, and it has a cabin below deck! Could be really fun to take out on the sea at night…when it's clear and calm and the stars are out…?"
Emilie saw by the widening of Marinette's eyes that she had snagged them.
"How are we supposed to get there?" Asked Adrien.
"Your bodyguard will drive you to Evry. My corvette is in storage over there."
"You're going to let us borrow your corvette?"
"The perfect honeymoon car! You can drive now, right?"
"Well, yes, but—"
"Then just imagine it! Traveling through the French countryside with the top down, the wind in your hair? Isn't that lovely?" She elbowed Marinette gently. "Tell him how lovely it would be!"
Marinette smiled at her husband. "Your mother is really manipulative."
"She's worse than my father."
Emilie pouted.
"I'm just kidding, mom." He leaned towards her and kissed her cheek. "Thank you. This is really awesome. We'll go."
Emilie beamed at him, waving her hands around. "Does this mean you forgive me?"
Adrien's smile softened. "Of course mom. I'm sorry I was so rude to you. I just..."
She hugged him, interrupting his apology before he got started. "It's okay, sweetheart. It was all a big misunderstanding. Your father is the one who really ought to apologize."
"He did…I just…it's hard."
"Of course it is. And this year is going to be the hardest for recovery and forgiveness, but baby, you're doing extraordinary. Both of you are." Emilie reached out and touched Marinette's cheek. "You're both so strong."
Adrien smiled at her. "Thanks Maman."
Emilie gave a little high pitched squeal before she pulled them both into a tight hug. "My babies!"
—
They left early morning two days later, still without Gabriel's knowledge. It felt like a good old teenage rebellion, with the explicit permission from 3/4 parental figures.
The Gorilla drove them out to Evry, where a man met them with Emilie's corvette, all tuned up and ready to go. From there, they were on their own, armed with a bag of snacks, a GPS, and seven hours of France. They took turns driving, since seven hours was a long time to do the same thing. When they were hungry, they pulled over to the closest restaurant and explored. Sometimes they were recognized, but mostly not. A cafe owner gave them lunch on the house. Someone else paid for their gas. It was the perfect amount of attention, enough to be noticed and appreciated, without being overbearing or too sympathetic.
The drive was nice too. They sang along with the radio, talked about whatever came to mind, and sometimes, they just rode in silence, basking in the presence of their best friend and lover, without the tact on of a third wheel, which they had been so used to for the last few months.
They finally arrived at the estate in the evening. The house overlooked a cliff, with a lighthouse on one side. It had two stories, and was painted white with navy blue trim. It had a garden teeming with plants and flowers, and a cute little walkway that led through it.
"Oh, this place is cute!" Marinette gasped in delight.
"Like you?" Adrien offered.
"Flatterer."
The corvette drove up the driveway, and parked right out front.
As soon as Adrien shut the engine off, his phone rang, with Gabriel's ID glowering at them on the screen.
"Uh oh, honeymoon's over." Adrien said, with a little smirk on his face. It was obvious he wasn't actually worried about it.
Regardless, he answered, and put it on speaker. "Hello Father."
"Where are you?" The man demanded.
"Out and about," Adrien answered coolly. "Tom, Sabine, and mom know, and gave us permission to leave."
"But I did not. I want you back at the bakery this instant."
"That's going to be a little difficult, we're a ways away from Paris."
"Where. Are. You?" He asked again, firmly.
Marinette answered. "We're at Emilie's family's estate. They've very generously allowed us to stay a week here."
"A week! Certainly not! I did not authorize this vacation and I'm not—" But the rest of his tirade was cut off, as Emilie's voice cut into the background.
"Gabriel Simon Agreste! You leave those children alone! They are on their honeymoon!"
"But darling—"
"Don't darling me! They are perfectly capable of handling themselves, and they will be well cared for! In fact, it will do them good to get away!"
"But—"
"But nothing! Hang up the phone! Now!"
There was a pause before a high pitched voice sounded right by Gabriel. "I told you it was a bad idea to call them. But will you believe me when I say they're fine?"
"Is that Nooroo?" Marinette whispered to Adrien.
He shrugged.
"I was just—"
"Listen to Emilie," Nooroo urged. "Let them go."
Gabriel relented and said, "Have fun," before hanging up.
Marinette smiled at the phone before looking at her husband. "I like your mom."
"She's pretty cool," Adrien said with a relaxed sigh. "I was waiting for him to call, so now I feel like I can really relax."
"It seems like your mother has it under control. So don't worry about him anymore. It's just you and me now."
"Yeah," he smiled.
Before they could get their belongings, an old, sea-weathered man came out of the house.
"Adrien and Marinette?" He asked in a grisly voice.
"That's us." Said Adrien, holding out his hand. "You're my…great uncle Blaise?"
"Your grandfather on your mom's side was my brother, yes. It gets confusing after a while, hmm? My children are your first cousins once removed, and their children are your second cousins!"
"I didn't realize I had that much family on my mother's side."
"It's hard to get together when we live so far out of Paris." He grinned up at Adrien, being slightly bent over from old age. "My my, you sure do make me feel old. I met you when you were a wee lad. Of course, I see Felix on occasion, still, it's startling to see how you've grown."
"Uh, thank you?"
"Well, you came here to get away from people, not for me to talk your ear off! Come along! I'll show you the house!" He reached into the backseat of the corvette and took Marinette's suitcase for her.
He led them in the house, which was huge inside. A tall ceiling that reached two stories, with big windows that looked out onto the sea. A spiral staircase led up to the second floor. The decor was nautical, with anchors and ship wheels as focal points. It was all very clean and homey, if not a little dated.
"The master bedroom is upstairs." Explained Uncle Blaise. "Mum's got the kitchen all stocked with goodies." He waved to the little area beyond the stairs. "There's a bathroom down here and another connected to the bedroom. We have internet and cable, all that good stuff." He set the suitcase down by the stairs. "Now, let me show you the lighthouse."
Surprised, but excited, Adrien and Marinette followed him through a door in a side room.
Inside was just a huge steel elevator.
"So this is the control switch," he said as he beckoned them into the cage. "You just turn it on by turning this key, and then hold these buttons to go up or down. Up will take you to light, and there's a balcony up there you can stand out on. Down takes you to the dock." He demonstrated this by hitting the button, and lowering the elevator down.
It was a good distance down, considering they were traveling down the cliff face, but when they reached the bottom, they found themselves in a garage inside a cove. There was a long dock that led out to the water, and a large boat parked at the side. They were protected from the elements by a rocky ceiling and adjacent wall.
"Oh wow," said Marinette, with awe.
"So you can go swimming in the cove, or out further in the ocean. There's a ladder at each end," he pointed. "And we got some poles here if you want to go fishing. There's some night crawlers in the house." Then he snapped his fingers. "The boat! Your mother said you wanted to go out in the boat. It's really pretty easy to drive her, especially since she's already in the water. Come on, I'll show you."
He showed them how to get up on the boat, how to turn it on and how to steer and accelerate it.
"This here is the cabin," he pointed to a short door in between the driver and passenger seats. He opened it up and led them down inside. "There's a little kitchen in here, though I doubt you'll be using it. But there's a little fridge here," he removed a wooden lid from a deep hole in the counter, "so you can store drinks or sandwiches or whatever."
He patted a door in the wall. "Tiny bathroom in here, though I'd recommend going before going out to sea. What else is there? Oh!" He pointed under the stairs to the deck. "There's a bed back there, and there's one at the bow." He led them up to it. It was a triangular mattress that filled the space, with a sky light in the ceiling above it. "It's a little difficult to get into, since you have to climb up into it, but there's a ladder right here on the wall. Open the skylight, and there's a long flat cushion on top." He sat on the mattress and reached up to show them how to open the window. "Make sure to close this while you're driving, obviously, but it's great for sunbathing, or star gazing." He smirked, "and I heard tonight is supposed to be crystal clear, with water like glass. You could sleep on it too, if you wanted, but you might be a little damp in the morning."
Marinette looked at Adrien excitedly. "That is something I would like to do." She said firmly.
"Oh good, because I want to as well." He grinned.
"Well, the boat is all gassed up and ready whenever you two are." Uncle Blaise closed the cover again, and shimmied back down to the floor. "Let me make sure you have all emergency numbers and everything you need. The misses and I will be in the cottage on the other side of the property if you need anything. The town is just down the road if you want to go out for dinner...is there anything else you need?"
"I don't think so?" Shrugged Adrien.
"Alrighty, then allow me to escort you back to the house."
—
After a brief unpacking, Adrien and Marinette changed into comfy clothes, packed a picnic, and boarded the boat.
"I'll get it started, if you can untie us and ship us off." Marinette asked after climbing on board.
"Aye aye captain," Adrien beamed at her. He untied the boat from the front first, where it was hooked onto the dock and then the back, holding onto a metal bar on the side of the ship.
The engine roared to life, and bubbles rose from the back of the ship.
"All set!" Marinette called.
"Okie dokie!" Adrien got one foot up on the boat, and with the other, he pushed off.
Marinette engaged the accelerator ever so slightly, and turned to right the boat towards the exit of the cove.
Adrien scrambled the rest of the way up and came to stand behind Marinette. "You got it?"
"Yep! Take a seat, I'll speed up once we've cleared the shore enough."
Adrien took the passenger seat, securing the picnic basket in his lap.
Then they were off.
The slight breeze created tiny waves in the water, though they weren't noticeable with the speed of the boat. The hull cut through the water like butter, sending up a spray on either side of the vessel. The rush of the wind sent their hair blowing everywhere, mostly straight back.
Though it was June, the rushing air was chilly, and Marinette tensed under her oversized sweatshirt and pajama shorts.
The rushing wind and engine drowned out all noise, until it was an all encompassing roar.
They finally slowed and came to a stop when the shore was just a line in the distance, and dropped anchor. The sun was setting, the air was fresh with the scent of the sea and the clean breeze.
A far cry from the smell of Paris.
Marinette leaned back in the captain's chair and just took a deep breath. Adrien mirrored her just a second later, falling into contentment.
"We're finally out on the water," he said, smiling as the boat gently rocked.
"We're not on a sailboat, but this works fine with me." Marinette offered.
"I don't actually know how to sail."
She looked at him. "But sailing around the world was your idea! Why would you suggest it if you don't know how to?" She laughed.
"Well..." his smile faded. "To be honest, I didn't think we were going to get out when I made that promise."
As sad as it was, she understood completely. "But we did, and we're here now. And later, we can take some sailing classes. When we feel like we can do it. And when we don't have to sneak away from your father."
He wrinkled his nose. "Sorry, but that might be a while yet. He might be a jerk and come off as controlling, but I promise it's just fear. He lost my mom, and then me, and you saw what he did to get us back."
"You know, in my heart, I know that, but when he calls us and yells at us for our disobedience, I'm hesitant to believe it."
"I know." He raised her hand and kissed her knuckles. "And I'm not asking you to accept him, I just want you to understand, and know that I don't tolerate it for no reason. Marinette, as daunting as he appears, he's insecure and scared. He wouldn't be such a helicopter if he didn't love us."
Marinette sighed. "While I see what you mean, I'm not going to be able to just 'tolerate' it. He's my father-in-law, but he has no authority over me. Or you, now that you're 18 and married. I understand that he's scared, but I can't let him bully me. He has to know that I'm not okay with it."
Adrien nodded. "Then you'll have to help me. I've been so conditioned…" he faded out, letting the rest of the sentence go unsaid.
Marinette cupped his cheek. "Let's not worry about that now, love. We're here to relax and enjoy each other without any responsibilities."
He seemed to overcome his funk rather quickly at that and swooped in to press a kiss to her lips. "You're right as always, my love."
Marinette reached out and took the cooler from him. "I'm ready for dinner, are you?"
"Oh absolutely." He grinned, with a sly smirk on his face.
Opening the cooler, she found a bottle champagne packed on top of the sandwiches they had made. "Where did—did you pack this?"
"I saw it in the kitchen. I guess my aunt left us a little wedding gift."
"Sneaky kitty," she grinned right back.
"I think I saw some flutes down in the cabin."
"They have champagne flutes on their boat?" Marinette asked, incredulous, as he lowered himself down into the cabin.
"Why not? What's fancier then eating shrimp and drinking champagne on a yacht?"
"Is this a yacht? What constitutes a yacht?"
"Any boat that has a cabin equipped for overnight usage is considered a yacht, but it should be at least 30 feet long to be officially classified as one. So, this is most likely a yacht."
"I love that you just know this."
He emerged with two flutes in hand. "You attend enough parties with rich people, and you learn a thing or two." He handed her the flutes and took the bottle. "Ever heard the phrase, 'money talks, but wealth whispers'?"
"The first part, yes."
"Because the first part is the only part people care about." Carefully, Adrien untied the wire holding the cork on the bottle, and aimed it off the side of the ship. The cork flew off into the water, and champagne bubbled out onto the carpet. "Whoops. Your flute, madam?"
Marinette held her glass out, and he gingerly filled it up. Then he filled his own. Then he set the bottle aside and raised his glass. "What should we toast to?"
"To…us?"
He smiled at her. "To us then."
Clink
"What were you saying about wealth and money?" She asked after her first sip.
"Oh, well, there's the rich and the wealthy. Please don't think I'm bragging when I say that my family is wealthy."
"I mean, that much is obvious."
"So, the difference is in attitude. The rich and wannabe rich want you to know they have money. While the very wealthy just want to buy what they like and not let their money influence people they hang around with. For example...Chloe and her family are rich, but they aren't wealthy. Their money is finite, because of the mayor's position. But they weren't always rich, and because of it, they often find the need to have brand name clothing, with big labels on it, luxury for the sake of luxury, and a lot of what they talk about is the stuff they buy, rather than the things they like."
"Oh," Marinette blinked. "You know, suddenly, a lot of things about Chloe makes a lot of sense."
"When I used to hang out with her more often, she was a lot different than we see at school, because she never tried to impress me or intimidate me with her family's money. We were just friends."
"I think I get it." Marinette took another sip.
"Wealthy people, on the other hand, buy things that they like for the sake of liking it. Not for showing off. Most of the time, at least, as far as I've seen. Did you see what my uncle was wearing?"
"Old overalls and a linen shirt?"
"Not Gucci or Louis Vuitton or whatever. Probably still high quality clothes, but what he was comfortable in. He looks like a farmer, but everyone on my mom's side of the family could buy the Le Grand Paris hotel. Not just a room, the whole thing."
Marinette's jaw dropped. "Really?"
"Really. Now, my father's family was upper middle class, but when he started his own company, he became what's known as 'new money'. Which is common to lottery winners, athletes, celebrities..."
"People who make a lot of money really fast and don't know what to do with it." Marinette finished.
"Exactly. But because my mom was from a wealthy family, she helped steer him in the right direction so he didn't make any bad decisions...well, mostly. He's still...pretty extravagant."
"Huh. I had no idea there was science to money."
"Now you do! I learned a lot about 'rich people' stereotypes and stuff like yacht facts when I was forced to mingle with dad's business partners. They're almost all 'rich'. And then, when talking to wealthy people, they just talk to you like normal people. Sometimes they might slip things like, 'oh yeah, when we went on vacation to Fiji last week...' but then they'll follow up about some sights they saw, rather than the money they spent."
Marinette finished her glass, and Adrien poured her another. "Do you think any of your family will give me and my family a hard time for being working class?"
"No." Adrien said honestly. "At least, not most of them. My aunt and Uncle seemed cool. Aunt Amelie was pretty enthusiastic at the wedding. Felix was...well, Felix. He's not impressed by a lot. But you have nothing to prove." He reached out and touched her face. "It doesn't matter where you come from. You're Ladybug, and a survivor of a horrific trauma, and the love of my life. That's all that matters to me, and so that's all that matters to anyone else."
Marinette breathed a sigh of relief. "That actually makes me feel better. We're on this nice boat, staying in a really nice house...I just felt a little out of place."
"Well, to be honest, living at the bakery has kind of felt that way for me too."
She opened her mouth, but he cut her off before she could respond.
"Don't get me wrong! I love it at the bakery, it just isn't what I'm used to. Or, what I was used to. I can leave things out and not fear someone putting it away before I'm done with it. And it's not sterile. There's crumbs on the counter, a water ring on the coffee table…just signs of life. Little things like that really make me feel safe and warm."
"So it's okay?"
"I prefer living with your family…but one day, I wouldn't mind you and I having our own place." He smiled a little wider with pride, "after all, I know how to do my own laundry now."
"And you know how to cook rice, and wash dishes, and make tea and hot chocolate. Let's face it, Kitty, you are the pinnacle of independence."
"Oh haha, I can hear the sarcasm in your voice. You aren't fooling me."
She tossed the hair on his head. "I guess we have to face the music. Neither of us are ready to be on our own yet."
"Let's just see how this week goes," he suggested. "If we don't kill ourselves trying to survive while everything has been provided for us, I'll count that as a win."
She went back to the picnic basket and took out their dinner. "First test. We made our own sandwiches from the assortment of goodies in the kitchen. I used a croissant from my parents, with ham, lettuce, and bacon, with a little mayo and dijon mustard. What did you make?"
He looked at her sandwich, and then down at his. "Um…I used…bread. And then this deli meat, which I think is turkey? And then uh, salsa, potato chips, pepperoni, white cheese, and onions?"
"Salsa!?" Marinette's peels of laughter would have been an insult to any other creative chef, but to Adrien, it was sweet music. "Let me know how that tastes."
"I'm sure it will be delectable! Your mom lets me experiment with sandwiches! Be more creative, geez." He unwrapped his sandwich and took a bite, chewing thoughtfully.
"So?" She asked, chewing her own sandwich.
"Potato chips are soggy." He frowned.
—
After dinner, they moved to the sun bed on the bow of the ship, bringing their pillows and blankets up to be extra snuggly, as well as the rest of the champagne and some snacks.
Marinette sat crossed-legged, looking at her hand of cards, as her lips screwed up.
Adrien reclined on his side, admiring her as she took her turn.
"I'm going to discard this one." She finally stated, laying the card down.
"You always focus so hard when we play games." He noted, absently playing a card.
"And I always win," she said with a smug smile. "I'm not about to get cocky and let you beat me."
"Ever think that I just let you win because you're a sore loser?"
She pouted. "I am not."
"You are. You're the sorest loser of them all."
"How would you know if you never beat me?"
Adrien fell onto his back, staring up at the sky. "You got me there, My Lady."
"And I've got you here too. Three kings, three aces, and a run."
He shot up and looked in horror, "you had all the cards I was waiting for!"
"You always hold cards for too long!"
"That's because if I get rid of them, the one I'm waiting for pops up! It's like, Murphy's law of Rummy!"
"You must just not have the heart of the cards to guide you."
He gasped, "how dare you quote anime at me, madam!"
"And what are you going to do about it?"
"Put an end to your winning streak!" He gathered up the cards and started shuffling.
"Are you sure? It's getting kind of dark."
"Scared I'll win?"
She shook her head, good natured-ly. "Nah, just wanted to watch the sunset and snuggle."
He straightened the cards into a stack and put them away. "You said the magic word."
"What? Snuggle?"
"Hmm-mmm." He reached over to grab her by the waist, and yanked her into his arms.
They fell quiet then, just basking in the warmth of the other person, while the sky's gradients turned from blue to orange to pink to red.
Stars began to poke out on the vast, cloudless heavens.
Adrien took his phone out. "I got this star app the other day. Look, you just hold it up, and it tells you what stars you're looking at."
"Oh that's cool!" Said Marinette, as she shared his screen. "What's that bright one towards the horizon over there?"
He turned his phone in her direction. "Oh wow, it's Jupiter."
"We can see Jupiter from here?! That's so cool! What about that one over there?"
"That one is mars! It almost looks like it has a reddish hue to it."
"You're right! Wow, I never get to see stars like this in Paris."
They sat and waited, the sun's light fading, and the stars growing ever clearer and clearer, until the whole sky was a light. It wasn't just a black sky with dots of stars either. It was robust with blue hues and explosions of stars in clusters that were usually invisible with all the light pollution.
Paris, for all its wonder and awe inspiring views and lights, didn't hold a candle to God's canvas.
"It just keeps getting brighter." Marinette mused, sitting up.
The sea had settled into stillness that was almost glasslike, and the stars reflected on to the surface. It looked like they were in the middle of space.
Adrien sat up as well, settling right behind her, so she could use him as a backrest. His hand came to rest on her stomach, as he nuzzled into her hair. Then he laid kisses behind her ear. Pecks that started out innocent, that soon turned into lathing kisses at her throat.
"Someone's feeling frisky," she murmured.
"I'm just appreciating my beautiful wife. Is that a crime?"
She chuckled. "No, of course not."
"Then may I kiss you properly?"
She turned to face him. "Depends. Can an alley cat like you kiss properly?"
"Me-owch." He teased right back, his lips just a touch from hers. "I think we've established that I'm a spoiled house cat. A pure gentleman. I might require…some instruction."
Their lips bumped, regardless of their little game.
"What kind of instructions?"
"Just positive reinforcement. Hums of…pleasure."
"Hmmm."
"Yeah, like that."
She giggled slightly. "I think I can manage…but I won't fake anything."
"I wouldn't want you too."
Their mouths met, sweet languid touches turning into hot melting kisses. Sneakily, Adrien pressed his tongue against her lips, just a passing suggestion, but she responded in kind. Tongues swirled, flicking against each other sinfully, decadently.
Marinette let out a little moan that made the hair on the back of Adrien's neck stand up.
"Good?" He asked softly.
"Now that was a tongue kiss. I liked that one."
Up until that moment, Adrien had forgotten that they had shared a french kiss on the stream during their first wedding. He pushed the thought away, not willing to let it ruin his evening. "I don't know, I think I need more practice." And he leaned in once more.
Her soft moans only spurred him on, and he kissed her with more passion, more fervor. His hand rubbed over her stomach, to the hem of her sweatshirt and under, just to touch skin. Her hands wrapped around him, one going around his shoulders, and the other into his hair.
He purred in delight.
He coaxed her tongue into his mouth, sucking gently, and making her moan.
"My Lady?" He asked breathlessly.
"Hmm?"
"Can I make love to you?"
She paused, pulling away slightly to look at him. He looked at her earnestly, with admiration oozing from every pore.
"You…want to have sex with me?"
"Yes…but not just that. I want to explore you. Marinette, we haven't been a couple for very long, but I'm desperate to know everything about you. I want to know what you feel like, what you taste like, what noises you make when I touch you…"
She blushed, her eyes trailing down to his neck, as she was too embarrassed to meet his eyes.
"You can say no too." He assured, "I just…thought I'd ask."
She spoke so quietly, "I want to…"
"What?"
"I do…I want to have sex with you…I'm just…nervous."
He kissed her forehead tenderly. "It's okay to be nervous. I'm nervous too. But I promise I'll go slow, and you can stop me at any time."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. I want you to be happy, and for you to be in control."
She raised her head to meet his eyes. "Okay."
He smooched her gently. "Let me go grab the condoms then."
She shook her head. "No, no you don't have to. I'm on the pill. Ever since we got back…my mom thought it was a good idea, just in case."
"And you're all set?"
She nodded, suddenly embarrassed again.
"My lady, it's just me."
"I know, but…it's you! Chat—Adrien!"
"I've seen you naked already."
"I know…"
"Will you let me kiss the nervousness out of you?"
She nodded, before raising her head and puckering her lips.
He chuckled at her, and kissed those puckered lips, coaxing them to relax, to open, and melt with his. He pushed her ever so gently to lay her down, but never broke the kiss.
Her hands moved over his shoulders and down his back.
"One sec," he pulled away.
"Hmm?"
He took off his shirt, and then settled back down. "One thing at a time."
Her hands hovered.
"You can touch me. It's okay."
She rested her hand on his chest, petting over the thin scattering of blonde hair there. "Sorry I'm so awkward. I helped dress you just a few months ago…"
"That was different, I know." He kissed her. "But I'm your husband. You can touch me whenever and however you want."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a hug.
She hugged him back, dragging her nails lightly over the spiderweb scars on his back. "I love you," she murmured into his shoulder.
"I love you too, Bugaboo."
She pulled away slightly. "Hey, you haven't called me that since…since before…"
"Oh, sorry, you don't like it, do you?"
On the contrary, hearing such a sappy nickname made her heart feel full. "I love it when you call me Bugaboo!"
His smile was as bright as the stars above. "Bugaboo!" He swooped in and squeezed her tightly again.
She nuzzled her face into his shoulder, breathing in the scent of his skin. He was warm and soft, and just felt really nice.
He turned his face and kissed her temple, then her cheek, then her nose, then her lips, before things got heated again, and their kisses turned long and slow.
The next time he pulled away was to press kisses down her neck, pulling her collar away to kiss her clavicle. His hand grasped her thigh, and slid up under her shorts.
She squeaked.
"You okay?"
She giggled, "yeah, just startled me."
"It was a cute noise…Multimouse."
"Oh you can't bring that up now, Aspik."
"Hmm…snakes and cats both hunt mice…were you trying to tell me something, Bugaboo?"
"Stop!" She giggled, trying to wriggle away from him, while he just kept grabbing at her. "It wasn't anything subliminal!"
He snaked his arms around her waist and dragged her against him. "You just want to be caught, don't you?"
"Noooo!" She giggled, wiggling around.
"Do you know what I'm going to do once I catch you, little mouse?"
"You'll never catch me!"
"I'm gonna smooch you!"
"No! Anything but that!"
He peppered her face in little kisses, tickling her and making her giggle.
"I love it when you laugh. It's the best sound ever." He sighed.
She huffed to catch her breath. "I can't help laughing when I'm with you. You bring me so much joy."
He looked about ready to cry. "That was the sweetest thing I've ever heard."
"Aw kitty," she kissed him. "I mean it. You make me so happy."
"You make me happy too."
"I'm so glad you ended up being Chat Noir."
"And I'm glad I have you as my lady."
Marinette let out a relaxed sigh. "I'm not so nervous anymore."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah…"
"You know what I would like?"
"Hmmm?"
"To not be the only one shirtless."
With that, Marinette's blush returned, and her heart rate increased. "Um…okay. I hope…well, I'm not very big, you know?"
An incredulous look came over his face. "I don't need any tig ol' biddies."
It was as if he knew exactly what to say to calm her down. She laughed and raised her arms. "Help me?"
"With pleasure."
Resting his hands on her waist, he dove his fingers under the hem of her sweatshirt, then her shirt, and glided upwards, over her ribcage, making her stomach tense. Once he reached the band of her bralette, he slid his fingers under that, and kept pulling up. It all rose over her chest and her head, down her arms, and then onto the sun bed.
Then she sat in front of him, chest rising and falling with heavy breaths.
His hungry gazed raked over her skin, traveling inch by inch and soaking up the gorgeous sight in front of him.
"Say something?" She asked nervously.
The look on his face could only be described as a kid in a candy shop. Excitement and awe all tied in to one. Before he could blurt out something lame like, "wow-wee," he declared, "Are you a beaver? Cause damn."
She laughed again, almost falling over from her guffaws. "Stop it! You keep making jokes right when I'm…you know!"
"When you're what?"
"…when I'm turned on." She bit her lip.
"Sorry, you should know by now I can't be serious."
Her reprimand wasn't serious either, and she only smiled at him. "It's one of your best qualities."
"I'll try not to ruin the mood." His voice deepened into a sultry lull as he raised his hand to hover right over her breast. "May I?"
She nodded in anticipation.
Both hands cupped her breasts, feeling the fullness, the softness, before they started to massage, kneading her skin. Her eyes closed, and she arched her back to press herself into his hands, letting herself relax and he worked.
It felt better than she expected, being handled in such a way.
He slid on hand down to cup the underside of her breast, while his thumb traced the nipple, watching as the little pink tip swelled to a point. He then flicked it, moving back and forth rhythmically.
Marinette let out a moan as he played with her. A pulsing beat of pleasure with each flick tingling down to her core.
He pinched and rubbed, playing with her, teasing her, and listening intently to every little sound she made, until he couldn't stand it anymore.
"Can I kiss them?" He asked breathlessly.
All she could do was nod.
He pressed a kiss to her sternum, leaving a wet lick to her skin, then blew on it. Goosebumps raised on her skin as he trailed over, circling her nipple with his tongue.
"Please…" She whimpered.
"Patience, my lady." He breathed hot air on her nipple, before trailing back to the middle to repeat the process on the other side. This made her moan and squirm.
Finally, he thrust out his tongue, and flicked the little bud, making her shutter. He did it again and again, watching as the whole breast seemed to ripple. Then he took her in his mouth, and sucked.
Marinette let out a low moan as she shifted in her seat, wriggling to get closer to him. Her hand raised and cupped his head, holding him there.
Adrien was a considerate lover. Whatever he did to one breast, he did to the other, alternating between little flicks, to long slow licks with the flat of his tongue, to taking the whole thing into his mouth to wreak havoc on her.
The result was a symphony to his ears. Breathy sighs and moans and groans, as she drew her nails over his back and scalp, while she shimmied in her seat.
"Adrien…"
"Hm?" He hummed without removing his mouth.
"I love you."
He chuckled against her. "I love you too, Bugaboo."
Finally, after a airtight suckle on her breast, he released it with a pop. "How'd I do?"
"Hmmmm…." She hummed in bliss from her puddle of pleasure. "Good…"
"Can I keep going?"
"To where?"
"I want to…touch down there. And taste you." He swallowed. "Can I remove these?" He tugged on her shorts.
Her breathing became harsher, and her blood pounded in her ears. "You first?"
He smiled gently. "As my lady commands."
Ever so carefully, he stood, and unbuttoned his jeans. Then he removed them and his briefs in the same motion.
She stared at him.
"Well? Am I a hunk or what?"
"Did it get bigger?" She asked, looking pointedly between his legs.
"Ah, no. You've just never seen me with a boner before."
"Is…that going to fit?"
He looked down at himself. "I mean, it should. I'm average sized. It's not bigger than like...a baby."
She snorted. "I mean, you have a point. I just…don't see…um…weenies very often."
"Please don't call it that," he begged. "I will deflate."
"I don't know what else to call it? The other names seem so dirty."
"Well, we have to have something to call it. I don't know if I could bear hearing your lusty yell of 'jam your weenie in me!'"
"I would never say that!" She laughed.
"Good!"
"I'll just…let you know when I'm ready."
"How?"
"You'll know."
He settled down between her legs. "Alright, I trust you, my lady. And you slap me upside the head if I misinterpret anything."
"Okay."
"Can I take these off now?"
She bit her lip and nodded.
Unbuttoning the little pink shorts, he hooked his fingers under her underwear band, and pulled.
Marinette shivered at the feeling of his fingers on her hips, and then the night air on her bare skin. Once her shorts were gone, she clamped her legs shut by her knees, too embarrassed.
"Bugaboo…" he spoke in admiration. He could still see the jet black curls hiding in the crease of her legs.
"Sorry, just um…"
"Nervous."
"Yeah…"
He slid his hand up her leg, taking in the smoothness of the skin. "Again, we'll take it slow." He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her tummy, kissing lower and lower until he reached the swath of skin right above her curls.
Marinette shuddered violently as his fingers traced the area and slid down between her legs.
"Still alright?"
"Yeah, just got a chill up my spine."
He continued his kisses, moving from her tummy down her hips and on to her thighs.
He reached between her legs from underneath, spreading them just enough to reach her core with his hand.
Marinette exhaled as he gently touched the outside of her folds. He drew his finger up and down the crease, letting it slip inside into the milky warmth.
She sighed. He sighed. This was great.
"Oh Bugaboo..." he moaned as he felt the slippery center.
"Shh," she hushed, as her blush rose.
"What?"
"It's embarrassing..."
"I think it's super hot." He pressed into her further, making her thighs clench around his hand. "No no Bugaboo, just relax. Does it not feel good?"
"Umm, can you move up higher?"
"Higher?"
"Yeah, like um..." she reached down and took his hand, moving his fingers upwards until they rested on a little bud. "There."
Careful, and fearful of hurting her, Adrien rubbed in gentle circles where she had directed.
It was as if he controlled her whole body, as she relaxed in one big sigh, but as he worked, she rocked against his hand, moaning softly.
"Can I look?"
She nodded silently, spreading her legs further apart.
There was no light except for the stars, which was just enough to see by, but everything was cast in shadow and desaturated.
His hands rested on her thighs, but that was all the indication Marinette had of Adrien's location. Her eyes were shut tight, too embarrassed to witness him studying her.
Then she felt his hot breath on her.
"No!" She snapped back up and covered up with her hands.
"No?" He asked. "Okay, we don't have to..."
"I just...are you sure you want to kiss me down there? It's kinda...gross."
Adrien caressed her body, rubbing his hands over her stomach and thighs and everywhere he could reach. "Sex is kinda gross...but it's also really awesome. At least that's what they say. I haven't had a proper girlfriend…I want to do all of it with you."
"But you want to…down there?"
"Yes." He said sincerely. "Oh god yes. If that's okay with you."
Marinette unfurled from her curled position, relaxing again, and splaying her legs for him. "Sorry in advance, if I smell or taste bad."
He shook his head with a fond smile, before laying on his stomach. He wrapped an arm around each leg and pulled her closer, his hot breath caressing her most intimate areas.
Finally, he had mercy on her, and traced his tongue over her folds, each stroke spreading deeper and deeper until he was consumed with her. Her taste, her scent, everything, overwhelming and delicious.
Marinette moaned loudly now, trying not to rock against his face, but wracked with waves of pleasure with every flick of the tongue, every long flat lick.
It was almost too much to handle.
And the noises! Slurping and popping and slushing, every little sound only heightened her arousal, and she felt weaker, rubberier at his ministrations.
"Ah!" She started to unravel. Something deep inside of her, that thing that kept her stable and functioning was starting to flicker out, and everything was being to come undone. Flashes of lights behind her eyes, hues of colors and hints of the outside world. It all started to shift and phase out.
"Adrien…" She moaned out, before burying her fingers in his hair. She needed an anchor, and his hot touch was the only thing she felt anymore. It was all so good, so warm, so wet…
Adrien focused his attention to that little bundle of nerves she pointed out earlier, leaving fast strokes to coax out those sweet sweet moans. When she pulled on his hair and clenched her thighs around his head, he knew she was falling apart. This was instinct, her body reacting to him. He couldn't stop. Her moans and sighs, her taste, her very essence dripping off his chin. He was an addict, and he'd never get enough of this.
He raised his hand, adding his fingers to tease where his tongue couldn't reach.
Her moans weren't silent anymore. They were lusty cries, each sounding off in tandem with each of his strokes, each of his plunges with his fingers deep inside.
"I can't…I can't…" She cried, bucking and writhing against him.
"Can't what?" He raised his head just enough to ask.
Not that he could see, but she shook her head before grinding her hips right on him.
It was a little too much to handle for Adrien, hot as it was. He placed a closed mouth kiss on her core before pulling away.
"Nnghh…" Marinette whined, wriggling her hips. She clenched her thighs and reached down with her hand.
"What's wrong, Bugaboo?"
"Ah…" She scooted down in an attempt to hook against his leg. "Don't stop…please…"
"It's not like you to beg from me," he spoke lightly.
"Stop teasing me!" She whined.
"What do you want? More of that? Or…?"
"I want you."
"Yeah?"
Her face twisted as she wriggled again, desperate for release. "I want you inside me. Please."
"Yes ma'am!" He began to lean over her, then stopped. "Um, how do you want to do this?"
"Hmm?" She was slowly starting to come back together, enough to form a thought or two.
"Do you want to keep laying down? Or do you want to sit on my lap? I heard that can be nice for the girl, so you can control the angle and how fast we go."
"Is that okay with you?"
"Pft, Marinette, I get to have sex with the most beautiful, amazing, powerful, goddess of a woman in the whole world, I don't care about logistics."
She chuckled, pushing herself up to her knees. "I'm willing to try anything with you."
A warm smile over took his face as he pulled her to him. He sat with his legs outstretched, and ready to mount.
She placed a leg on each side of his, lifting up on her knees so that she hovered above him.
He took the opportunity to pull her into him, nuzzling and kissing her breasts again for good measure.
His hand slid down and grabbed her ass, kneading and squeezing playfully. Then with the other hand, he reached down below, and started to strum again, to make sure things were ready to go.
Almost instantly, Marinette moaned and returned to grinding against his hand, seeking relief, like a full body itch that couldn't be scratched. But each pulse was so wonderful, so filling, so mind numbingly erotic.
"Whenever you're ready, my lady," he whispered against her skin.
Marinette reached down, and felt for him. He was so thick and hot in her hand. He twitched and pulsed and Adrien let out a shuddering moan at the contact.
"This is good?" She had to ask.
He gave a breathless nod, unable to communicate anything else.
Slowly, and ever so carefully, Marinette lowered herself down, angling him towards her entrance. Then she felt his tip, like a kiss to the lips. She hesitated, for just a second, her face tensed.
"If you're having second thoughts…" He reminded gently.
"No, I'm just…it's supposed to hurt, right?"
He blanched. "I've heard that before…I don't want to hurt you."
"It's okay, even if it's just for a second. Ready?"
He kissed her lips, capturing her tongue with a suckling pop. "Yes."
Slowly, she lowered down, plunging him deep inside of her. Inch by inch, being filled with warm, soft skin. When her thighs pressed against his, she rested.
"You okay?" He whispered.
"Just a second." It didn't hurt. She just felt…full. She imagined it would feel a little like having a tampon in, but it didn't feel that way at all. He was hot, and twitched inside of her, and she was so slick, he glided right in. Her core quivered, adjusting to his size.
"You feel amazing," he breathed as he pressed kisses to her neck.
She hummed, and rested her hands on his shoulders. She was supposed to move, wasn't she? So she lifted up onto her knees, trying to move against the length of him.
She raised too far and he popped right out.
This only made Adrien moan. "Oh…"
Marinette quickly adjusted, and tried again, sheathing him deep inside once more, and taking him all the way in.
Adrien exhaled through his lips, his grip on her ass almost becoming painful.
"Are you okay?" She asked at his wince.
"Oh god I'm not going to last long…" he breathed. "Just keep…keep going."
Again, she raised up, before dropping back down.
Oh.
Oh that was nice. That was very nice. If she just—
She picked up the speed, gaining a regular rhythm.
Adrien looked absolutely drunk. His eyes were half closed as he tried to look at her, but was so overwhelmed with pleasure, he couldn't even keep them open. "Yes, yes, yes…"
Hearing his moans and lusty chants only spurred her to move faster, making deep, long strokes. Each one wracked her body with waves and waves of pleasure, his breath panting on her skin sent chills down her spine. The world was fading, and all that was was him and her. Him and her. Him and her.
Oh god oh god oh god!
"I'm sorry, my lady," he grunted as he hugged her tightly.
Marinette felt herself fall backwards, the sun bed cold against her sweat covered skin. Her legs were in the air, his hands on her hips. And he was driving. Her strokes had been a steady drum beat, his were like hummingbird wings, hammering away at her resolve, her sanity, her very being. The world was spinning, flashing of lights, toes curling—
"A-A-A-Adri-ri-en!" She cried out, as her whole body convulsed. All of the energy in her body exploded out, fleeing far as she lost control of everything, her voice, her limbs, everything.
But he didn't stop. He kept pounding away, and she could only hold on. She was spent, exhausted, but each frantic stroke just brought another hot flash of pleasure. And it wasn't just within her either. It was every part of him that touched her. His hands, his chest to hers, his mouth to her neck, all of it made her feel like she was drowning.
"My-My Lady! I'm—I'm going to—!" He damn near shouted.
He felt harder, hotter, and pulsed within her, before a hot sensation took over.
Marinette was mostly numb, but she could feel it, the throb, the release. Adrien called out for her, in a choking, painful sounding shout. His arms and legs trembled, all of his energy concentrated into her.
Then he collapsed on top of her, spent, and twitching.
The boat was silent, the world starting to solidify again.
"I love you," Adrien muttered against her neck. He hadn't pulled out of her yet, both too tired to do so. "I love you, I love you."
She pet his sweaty hair, pressing kisses to his collarbone. "That was awesome."
"Just give me…a few minutes. I want to go again."
She scoffed. "Again?"
"That was the best thing I've ever felt in my life. If it's alright, I want to do that every day for the rest of our lives."
Marinette couldn't help but laugh. He asked so sincerely, so politely. "Of course kitty, I'd love to."
"Cool," he murmured, before snuggling back into her neck.
